Tompkins Running For Commission Seat

A second person plans to run for the District 5 seat on the new consolidated government.

Louis Frank Tompkins, current holder of Macon City Council's Ward 4, Post 1 seat, said Tuesday he's seeking the position because there's a difference between living in the city and being part of it.

"I am, have always been and always will be an integral part of this community," Tompkins said while announcing his candidacy during a noon news conference at City Hall.

"My service to this community did not just begin with being a city councilman," he said. "My service in the community began 43 years ago with the Bibb County School District where I dutifully served as a teacher, coach andprincipal at the elementary, middle and high school levels, and director of transportation."

Among other things, Tompkins said he'll attend all required meetings, develop working relationships with fellow commissioners and work with outside agencies to accomplish things.

"Our citizens deserve a commissioner like me who is extraordinarily effective and competent in representing them," Tompkins said.

Qualifying for the nine commission seats and the mayor's office begins April 22. The election is scheduled for July 16.

Tompkins will face Bibb County Commissioner Bert Bivins who earlier announced that he's running for the position.

District 5 includes part of the midtown area from Riverside Drive in the north to Eisenhower Parkway in the south. It's west borders include Napier Avenue and Edna Place. Pio Nono Avenue runs along the eastside.